Barça's sports management is preparing for a summer transfer market that will mark the beginning of a new era at the club. Although the team has left good impressions in various parts of the season, the management is already working on key adjustments to strengthen specific areas of the culé squad. In this process, Ronald Araújo's name has gone from being indisputable to becoming a bargaining chip.
The Uruguayan center-back could end his time as a blaugrana, and his departure would leave a significant amount in the club's coffers. The defender's loss of prominence has been noticeable: specific moments like his expulsion against PSG or his poor performance against Inter have raised doubts about his continuity. With the growth of young players like Pau Cubarsí and the return of Eric García, the competition in the defensive line has intensified.
Two reinforcements on the radar
The truth is that Araújo is no longer untouchable and his future seems to be moving further away from Camp Nou. With the 65 million that his sale would bring, Barça has defined two reinforcements: Joan García and Ademola Lookman. The first, Espanyol's goalkeeper, has had a brilliant season and the club sees him as a long and medium-term bet for the culé goal.
The second, meanwhile, is a winger who is already a key figure for Atalanta in Serie A. His speed and versatility make him the perfect profile for Hansi Flick's scheme. The German coach wants to strengthen the flanks, and Lookman meets all the requirements: his arrival would give Barça a new offensive resource against tight defenses, something that has been lacking this season.
Key planning
The sports management has made it clear that any major sale must be accompanied by impactful additions. In that sense, Araújo's possible departure is not seen as a problem, but as an opportunity to take a step forward in the team's restructuring. Laporta and Deco trust that, with these two signings, the team will gain solidity and options without losing competitiveness.
Meanwhile, Araújo seems determined to start a new challenge outside the club. In the player's environment, there is already talk of offers from Italy and Germany, and his release clause would not be an obstacle to closing any possible operation. Everything points to a farewell this summer.